Inoculation is the process of applying Rhizobium bacteria to legume seed to form a symbiotic relationship with the developing plant. Bacteria (Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium) are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N) into forms usable by plants. The N-fixing bacteria are of two general kinds — symbiotic and non-symbiotic. The non-symbiotic group consists of free-living organisms, whereas the symbiotic group cannot function without the aid of a host plant. The association between the host plant and the symbiotic bacteria is mutually beneficial in that the plant furnishes the necessary energy, and the bacteria uses this energy to fix atmospheric N that can be used by the host plant.

With a few exceptions, the plants with which the symbiotic N-fixing bacteria are associated belong to the legume family. The development of nodules on the roots of a legume is evidence that the symbiotic bacteria are present. Since the symbiotic organisms are usually associated with legumes and result in the formation of nodules, the organisms are often called "legume bacteria" or "nodule bacteria." The bacteria genus "Rhizobium" is the common "legume bacteria."

Two different methods are available for introducing the proper strain of nodule bacteria into the soil in which a legume is to be planted: 1) Apply a commercially prepared culture of the proper strain of bacteria to the legume seed or in the seed furrow at planting, or 2) spread soil from a field in which the legume recently has become inoculated and has grown successfully. However, the disadvantages of using soil outweigh the advantages to such an extent that commercial cultures are generally used.

Most commercial inoculants are in a powder form and consist of finely ground peat mixed with the N-fixing bacteria, which are intended for mixing with the seed. Granular formulations of the peat-bacteria mixture are designed to be placed in the seed furrow at planting. Liquid inoculants and other non-peat-based inoculants are also being used where equipment is set up to apply in the seed furrow with the seed. It has generally been noted that peat as a carrier for the bacteria provides more protection and prevents drying and death of the bacteria, compared to the inoculants that do not contain peat.

Several species of legumes may be inoculated by one type of bacteria. These are called cross-inoculation groups. In some cases, only one species of legume may be in a cross-inoculation group. Table 1 lists the legumes in various cross-inoculation groups. To purchase the proper inoculant, find the legume to be planted and then order the inoculant for that cross-inoculation group.

In using commercial inoculants, the following rules for successful inoculation should be observed:

Purchase fresh inoculant from the proper cross-inoculation group. Before completing purchase, note the expiration date printed on the container and make sure that the bacteria culture is of a strain that will inoculate the legume to be planted. See Table 1 for legumes included in each cross-inoculation group. Store culture in a cool, dry place until it is to be used.

Inoculate if there is any doubt as to whether bacteria of the proper strain are present in the soil. If peanuts or soybeans have a long history of being planted in the field, less response to inoculants may occur.

For powder inoculants, follow directions for each crop. Put a sticking compound on the seed, then add inoculant and mix well with seed. If seed becomes too wet, allow to dry before putting into a seed hopper for planting. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the inoculated seed. During planting apply granular inoculants in the seed furrow at the manufacturers' recommended rates.

Do not allow seed to contact caustic lime or soluble fertilizers. Some seed-protecting chemicals are incompatible with legume bacteria. Molybdenum may aid in nodule formation on soybeans planted on mineral soils that have not been limed to the optimum pH. Do not purchase inoculant pre-mixed with molybdenum because the bacteria may die in such pre-mixes. If needed, these materials should not be mixed with the inoculant until just prior to planting.

Plant inoculated seeds at once (within four hours) and cover them immediately. Pack the soil with suitable equipment, such as a corrugated roller for broadcast plantings, or a planter press-wheel for row plantings.

Plant when soil temperature and moisture are favorable for quick germination of the legume and favorable for the survival of the bacteria.

Tables

Table 1.

Cross-inoculation groups of field and forage crop legumes.

ALFALFA GROUP

Alfalfa

Black medic

Bur-clover

Buttonclover

Fenugreek

Sourclover

Sweetclover

BEAN GROUP

Garden bean

Kidney bean

Pinto bean

Scarlet runner bean

Wax bean

CLOVER GROUP

Alsike clover

Arrowleaf clover1

Ball clover

Berseem clover

Crimson clover

Hop clovers

Ladino clover

Persian clover

Red clover

Strawberry clover

Sub clover

White clover

Other true clovers

COWPEA GROUP

Aeschynomene

Alyceclover

Beggarweed

Bushclover

Cowpea

Crotalaria

Guar

Hoary tickclover

Indigo

Kudzu

Lespedeza

Mung bean

Partridge-pea

Peanut

Pigeonpea

Savanna Stylo

Stylosanthes humilis

Velvetbean

Carpon Desmodium

LUPINE GROUP

SOYBEAN GROUP

Lupine

Seradella

Soybean

VETCH AND PEA GROUP

Austrian winter pea

Field pea

Garden pea

Horsebean

Lentil

Rouph pea

Sweet pea

Tangier pea

Vetch

The following legumes appear to require specific strains of nodule bacteria for effective inoculation: big trefoil, birdsfoot trefoil, and sesbania. Special orders may be needed to locate effective bacteria.

1 All legumes within a group can be inoculated with the same culture or kind of nodule bacteria. Some of the inoculants for clover may not be effective in N-fixation by arrowleaf clover although nodules form. Use inoculant that is specifically for arrowleaf clover.

Footnotes

1.

This document is SS-AGR-154, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. First printed December 1992. Revised February 2011.Reviewed May 2014. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.